Kathy Zimbicki, from Gaylord, also won in the King/Queen category with this Double Wedding Ring quilt

Kathy Zimbicki, from Gaylord, won with Grace’s Quilt in the Crib/Wall Hanging category.

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor even ice, kept people away from the 6^th annual Quilt Show put on by the Cedar Springs Friends of the Library last Saturday, April 14. The show was held in the Cedar Springs Middle School gym, and according to Kaye Nimphie, President of the Cedar Springs Friends of the Library, 99 people showed up to attend the show.

Nimphie explained that the quilt show had 43 quilts entered with Viewer’s Choice winners in four categories. Kathy Zimbicki, from Gaylord, won with Grace’s Quilt in the Crib/Wall Hanging category and in the King/Queen category with a Double Wedding Ring quilt. Amy Ortego, from Rockford, won in the Full/Twin category with her Rooken quilt and in the Table Topper/Tote category with her Confident Beginner submission. 

Amy Ortego, from Rockford, won in the Table Topper/Tote category with her Confident Beginner submission.

Amy Ortego, from Rockford, won in the Full/Twin category with this Rooken quilt.

The Friends raised $1,444 for the Library, which will be spent on various library programs.

If anyone is interested in joining the CS Friends of the Library, please call the CS Public Library at 696-1910. “We would welcome you with open arms,” said Nimphie. 

She said they meet five times a year and currently hold four fundraising events per year.

This quilt will be raffled off at the Cedar Springs Friends of the Library quilt show on March 18. Get your tickets at the library.

The Cedar Springs Friends of the Library will be having their 5th Annual Quilt Show fundraiser on Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cedar Springs Middle School. Admission is $2 per person, and under 12 is free.

The Friends will once again be raffling off a beautiful quilt that was designed by Barb Grutter, pieced by Louise King, and quilted by Aerie Quilting. Raffle tickets are available at the Library or at Luv 2 Quilt for $1 each or 6 for $5. The quilt will also soon be on display at Independent Bank and they will have raffle tickets as well.

The Friends are also taking registrations for people who would like to show their quilts. They have changed and added categories to have better variety and competition. The categories are: King/Queen; Full/Twin; Crib/Wall-Hanging; and Table Topper/Tote. There is a limit of three items per person, and you will need a registration form for each quilt shown. Quilts should not be shown that have been shown previously. Quilt registration forms are available at the library or by calling either Barb Grutter at 616.263.9500 or Louise King at 616.696.1376.

On Friday and Saturday, November 11-12, the Friends of the Cedar Springs Library had a huge, blow-out, let-it-go, fundraising book sale! All books were $0.25 or $1 for a bag, including hardcovers. Local citizens poured into the Senior Center on Park and Elm Streets to scoop up the bargains. The regular Red Flannel Day book sale, postponed due to rainy weather, had to happen at some point to unload the overburdened storage unit before winter set in. With the blessing of a sunny day and unusually warm temperatures, over one-half of the books were sold, bringing in $375 for the 15-hour sale. The Friends saw many smiles as some walked out of the building with their $1 bag stuffed with 6-9 paperbacks. Many readers are set for the winter!

Saturday, March 18, is the Friends next fundraising event for the new library—their annual Quilt Show held at the Cedar Springs Middle School. Raffle tickets are on sale at the Library, $1 for one ticket or $5 for 6. If you are thinking about Christmas, the Library has 4×8 bricks for sale for $50, 8×8 bricks for $100 and larger retaining wall blocks on sale for $1,000. Think about getting a brick or block in the name or memory of your family or friends, a gift that will keep on giving. Contact the Library for more information (616-696-1910) or print out an application form from the Library’s website: cedarspringslibrary.org.

Last week the Post ran an article on the entries that were winners at the Friends of the Library Quilt show earlier this month. The quilt contest winners we showed were winners in the antique quilt category. However, there was another category—regular quilts—that we didn’t have info on. The first place winner in that category was Sherrie Pipenger, of Kent City. Congratulations, Sherrie!

Sheryl Fleser won the quilt raffle

Nancy Flierman with her first place quilt.

Saturday March 19, was the 4th annual Friends of the Library Quilt show. It was held at the Cedar Springs Middle School from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. with approximately 180 people in attendance. Included were 36 quilts made by area residents. The winners of the show were chosen by those in attendance, with prizes going to:

Nancy Flierman, of Cedar Springs, won the Antique Quilt Category with her “Dresden Plate” quilt, and 3rd place with “Cathedral Window.” Both were specially made by her mother, Garnet Kline, who passed last year. It took her mother six years to make Cathedral Window, from 1994-2000. ‏She won a beautiful quilt rack donated by Bob Thomas Woodworking,

Barb Krawcyzk with her second place quilt.

2nd place went to Barb Krawczyk, for her “Snake River Log Cabin” quilt. She won a quilt rack donated by Ron Akom.‏

Featured at the show were a yard sale of quilting goods, a silent auction, trunk shows from Blueberry Backroads and Red Button Quilt Company and a Quilt Raffle featuring a Queen size quilt pieced by the Scrappy Quilters and quilted by Aerie Quilting. The raffle quilt was won by Sheryl Fleser of Cedar Springs.

Hometown Happenings articles are a community service for non-profit agencies only. Due to popular demand for placement in this section, we can no longer run all articles. Deadline for articles is Monday at 5 p.m. This is not guaranteed space. Articles will run as space allows. Guaranteed placement is $10, certain restrictions may apply. You now can email your Hometown Happenings to happenings@cedarspringspost.com please include name and phone number for any questions we may have.

Blood Drive for Lizzie August

Mar. 10: Donate blood in honor of Elizabeth August. Lizzie was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 4 in 2009 and during her treatments she has received 13 red blood and 29 platelet transfusions along with 2 bone marrow transplants. She is now 11 and in remission. There are so many more who need our help. Come donate blood to honor her journey and the journeys of all the young children fighting their own battles. Creative Technologies Academy, 350 Pine St., Cedar Springs on Thursday, March 10^th from 1 to 6:45 pm. To schedule an call Jennifer August at 616-799-0559. Come donate blood and register with Delete Blood Cancer to be part of the bone marrow donor registry. American Red Cross, 800-733-2767, redcrossblood.org. #10

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

Mar. 13: 2^nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church on Sunday, March 13^th at 6 pm. It will be at 2^nd Chance School at 810 – 17 Mile Rd. Cedar Springs (corner of 17 Mile and Olin Lakes Rd). The message will be shared by Pinky Hosford who has an amazing testimony to share, Music will be shared by Gospel Singers, Larry, Deb, George and Ray, traditional country and gospel singers. Invite your family and friends. Cowboy Church will be every 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of the month. Each service will have different people sharing God’s word and music. If you have questions, call 616-293-2150. See you there! #10

Job Seekers Workshop

Mar. 14, 28, Apr. 11, 25: Kent District Library and Michigan Works! Present free Workshops for Job Seekers. Workshops are on Mondays from 1 0 3 pm at the Nelson Township/Sand Lake KDL Branch.  March 14^th: Resume Development Workshop, March 28^th: Interviewing Workshop, April 11^th: Brand: You!, April 25^th: Communications Skills. For more information, please visit www.kdl.org/events or call KDL at 616-784-2007 or 877-243-2466 (toll free). #9,10p

Dinner at the Legion

Mar. 14: American Legion, 80 S. Main St. Cedar Springs, is hosting a roast beef and onion dinner on Monday, March 14^th, from 5 – 7 pm. Included will be mashed potatoes, veggies, roll, drink and dessert. The cost is $9 for adults, children (15 and younger) $4.00. Come and enjoy home cooking. Take out is available. 616-696-9160.  #10p

Michigan Blood Drive

Mar. 15: The Cedar Springs United Methodist Church will host a blood drive on Tuesday, March 15^th from 12:30 pm until 7 pm. Is your blood really red or is it green enough to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as Irish? Find out. Attempt to donate and you could also potentially help three people in need. The Blood Center thanks all the people that attempt to donate. #10

Dinner at East Nelson UMC

Mar. 16: East Nelson United Methodist Church, 9024 – 18 Mile Rd., is hosting a Ham Dinner on Wednesday, March 16^th from 5 to7 pm. The menu will include: ham, cabbage, red potatoes, carrots, relish tray, rolls, homemade desserts. Everyone is invited. Donations accepted. #10

Fish Fry

Mar. 18: Courtland-Oakfield United Methodist Church, 10295 Myers Lake Ave., is hosting a Fish Fry on Friday, March 18^th from 4:30 to 7 pm. Battered fried fish, baked potato or fresh-cut French fries, cole slaw, coffee and punch, dessert. 3 pieces – $9, 2 pieces – $7, 1 piece – $5. Eat in or carry out. 616-866-4298. #10,11p

Annual En Gedi Auction

Mar. 18: Come Be Refreshed! Friday, March 18^th with the High School cafeteria doors opening at 6 pm. This year’s event has many great items for you to choose from to include furniture, MSU football and basketball tickets, private golf session by MSU Coach Casey Lubahn, hotel stays, fine dining certificates, tools, hand-made dolls, private wild turkey and pheasant hunts, clothing, wood pellets, puzzles, and much more!!!! With a $10 entry donation you can enjoy delicious appetizers while you browse the items on the silent and live auction table. All funds earned on this event will be matched by CS Manufacturing. En Gedi is a Christ-centered non-profit organization providing a FREE after school youth center, special high school and community events with a focus on building family. Donations of services or products (all are appreciated are greatly needed. Contact Sue Wolfe at 696-2246 or SueQ@hughes.net for tickets or for donation pick-ups. #10,11p

Pancake Breakfast 

Mar. 19: The Courtland Fire Department, 7480 – 14 Mile Rd., will be hosting their annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 19^th from 8 – 11 am. The fire department will be serving pancakes, eggs, hash browns, sausage, juice, milk, coffee and tea. Adults – $7.00, Children 4-12 – $4.00, 3 and under are free. #10

Quilt Show Library Friends Fundraiser

Mar. 19: Saturday, March 19^th from 10 am to 4 pm. Show your quilt! Last Call! Do you have a quilt that you want to show in the 4^th Annual Friends of the Library Quilt Show? Call Barb at 616-236-9500 or Louise at 616-696-1376 to still get your quilt in the show. Quilts may be delivered to the Cedar Springs Middle School on Friday, March 18^th between 4 and 6 pm or Saturday, March 18^th between 7:30 and 9 am. Attendees will vote for their favorite quilts in each of the two categories, general and antique ( at least 50 years old). Admission is $2 per person and in addition to the quilt show there will be trunk shows for Red Button Quilt Co. and Blueberry Backroads, a silent auction, a quilting garage sale and a raffle quilt. Raffle tickets are available at the Cedar Springs Public Library, Luv2Quilt on 14 Mile and at the show. See you there. #10

Mom2Mom Sale

Mar. 19: The Resurrection Lutheran Church, 180 S. Third St., Sand Lake is hosting a Mom2Mom sale on Saturday, March 19^th from 9 am to 1 pm. For questions regarding the sale, please contact Nichole at 616-263-9662. #10,11p

Roast Beef Dinner

Mar. 20: The Rockford American Legion Post 102 on the corner of Northland Dr. and Rockford Park Dr. (330 Rockford Park Dr.), will be hosting a roast beef dinner on Sunday March 20^th and every 3^rd Sunday of each month. Open to the public. We will be serving roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, coleslaw, rolls, dessert, coffee and punch. Reasonably priced at $9 for adults, kids age 4 to 12 for $7 and under 4 years are free. Serving from 11am to 3 pm. See ya there and bring the family! #10,11p

Good Friday Walk and Remember

Mar. 25: Walk to each of the Sand Lake Village Churches and listen to the thoughts of characters that experienced the crucifixion first hand. Friday, March 25^th from noon to 1:30 pm. Our walk begins at Resurrection Lutheran Church (just south of town on Northland Dr.), with stops at the Full Gospel Church, Downtown Pavilion, Mary Queen of Apostles, and the United Methodist Church. Transportation will be provided back to the Lutheran Church. Children and families are encouraged to join us. #10-12p

HCNC Easter Egg Hunt w/Brunch

Mar. 26: Howard Christensen Nature Center will hold it’s 6^th Annual Easter Egg Hunt with Brunch on Saturday, March 26^th. Brunch will be served from noon to 2 pm. The Easter Egg Hunt begins promptly for all ages at 2 pm. Brunch is $5 per person or $20 per family of 4 or more and includes the Easter Egg Hunt. Easter Egg Hunting only $1 per egg hunter. Members are free. 16160 Red Pine Dr., Kent City, 616-675-3158. www.howardchristiansen.org. #10

CS Community Players Mystery Trivia

Mar. 30: The Cedar Springs Community Players are pleased to announce “Murder at the Kent”, a collection of three one act plays which will be performed at the Kent Theatre on March 30th, 31st, and April 1st.  The plays are Sorry, Wrong Number, Heat Lightning, and The Man who Died Twice.  These short, thrilling plays will delight the mystery lovers and send shivers down the spines of the audience.  And since every good mystery story requires some anticipation, the Players have devised a series of mystery themed trivia to build up the suspense before opening night.  These questions will appear in The Cedar Springs Post each week in the month before the production, starting on March 3^rd.  Solve the riddles and bring your answers to one of the performances at the Kent Theatre to be entered to win prizes that night. #10p

Community Night

Apr. 21: Cedar Springs Community Night is April 21st and registration is underway. The deadline for registration is March 25th. Forms are online at www.csaparksandrec.com or you can call 616-696-7320. #10b

All proceeds go toward the new library fund

This quilt, shown by Barb Grutter, will be raffled off at the Cedar Springs Friends of the Library quilt show on March 19. Get your tickets at the library.

At the January 26th meeting of the CS Friends of the Library, Friend’s member Barb Grutter, of Garden Path Quilts, unveiled the gorgeous quilt that will be raffled off for the upcoming Friends Annual Quilt Show fundraiser on Saturday, March 19, 10am-4pm.

According to Friends President Louise King, the pieced blocks were made by several women throughout the community and Barb Grutter appliqued  the center design by hand. Louise put together the border applique by machine.

If anyone would like to display their quilts at the quilt show, they can get a form from the Cedar Springs Public Library, Luv2Quilt on 14 mile Road or from Barb Grutter, email (barb@gardenpathquilts.com). There is a registration fee of $10 for the first quilt and $5 for each additional up to 3 quilts. They are also accepting quilts for a separate antique quilts category. There will be prizes awarded for first, second and third place Viewers Choice, and first place Viewers Choice for the antique quilts. Quilt owners should not submit quilts that have been in the show previously.

The event also hosts a silent auction, vendors with craft-related merchandise, prizes, a quilting garage sale, and a raffle for a chance to win the donated quilt. Raffle tickets (1 ticket for $1 or 6 for $5) are on sale now at the Cedar Springs Library. There is a $2 admission fee to the show.

All proceeds from the show will go toward the new library fund.

Winner of this quilt was Dena Wever.

The Cedar Springs Friends of the Library had a beautiful sunny day for their third annual quilt show held at the Cedar Springs Middle School. There were over 130 attendees to see the array of 40 quilts, including 9 antique quilts. Each of the 40 quilts was displayed in full glory, thanks to the outstanding quilt stands crafted by D. White, a cooperative effort on the part of the Cedar Springs Museum and the Friends of the Library.

Prizes were awarded for the most popular quilts voted on by the attendees. First place went to Shirley Fritz, second to Judy Mallory and third place to Maryevelyn Vu. First place for antique quilts went to Kathy Bremmer. First place prizes were donated by area businesses, and second and third place prizes were provided by vendors at the show.

The raffle quilt winner was drawn by Library Board Vice-President Earla Alber and the winner was Dena Wever. The raffle quilt was made by Louise King, Friends President, and quilted by Nancy Rogalski of Aerie Quilting. Dena was overjoyed and surprised at winning the coveted quilt stating, “I never win anything! I’ve never owned a real quilt in my life. This means so much to me!”

“The show wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our community friends and businesses who contributed to the sale table managed by Kim Gillow, Vice-President of the Friends, and the silent auction managed by Dena Wever, Vice-President of Woman’s Life, Chapter 841,” said King.

Woman’s Life, Chapter 841, had arranged to support this year’s Quilt Show again with a matching pledge of $500 if its members could raise $500 in an effort they sponsored.  The silent auction was supported and managed by Woman’s Life and at the end of the day raised $638 to be matched another $500.

Approximately $2,500 was raised for the new Library Building Fund. Over the years the Friends have raised to $22,359, including the money from the Quilt Show. Overall, the library building fund now has $596,300.83.

The Friends plan to have another quilt show next March. Consider showing off your own treasured quilt. What a treat for your neighbors and friends, and financial support toward our community’s long-time dream—a new, larger library facility.

The Friends welcome new members. If you would like to help with fun projects to support the library, you are invited to attend the Friends next meeting, Tuesday, May 26, 6:30 p.m. at the Library.

The Modern Woodmen of America recently presented a $500 matching check to the Cedar Springs Public Library as a result of the January quilt show.

The youth group organized, baked and ran a fantastic bake sale and accepted donations to raise money for the Friends at the second annual Quilt Show Fund Raiser on Saturday, January 25. Modern Woodmen youth and parents were very engaged in all aspects of the Quilt Show from setting up to tearing down.

Over the years the Cedar Springs Youth Group has conducted benefits for such projects as the Veterans’ Memorial Park, the Elmwood Cemetery, the Boy Scout cabin, the Cedar Springs Library (stainless steel drop box), the Nelson/Sand Lake Library (flag), winter hat and glove drive for Cedar Trails, light bulbs for trailer park residents on 18 Mile Road, Metron (flags), City Hall (baked goods for police officers), Fire Department (flag), Kent City Fire Department (flag), flags for Cedar View and the middle school, CS Garden Club (assisted in planting flowers) and they are actively seeking new projects.
To find out more about the mission and how to request funds for your non-profit project, contact our very own Junior Director, Annette Nelson, at 616-240-4863. To email Annette, shrjanelson@yahoo.com.

The Friends of the Cedar Springs Public Library had their Quilt Show Fund Raiser on Jan. 25. Woman’s Life, Cedar Springs Chapter 841 came alongside with a matching fund offer of up to $500. The matching funds were raised, and Dena Wever, Vice President of Woman’s Life, Cedar Springs Chapter 841, presented the check to the Friends of the Library on March 18.

According to Library Director Donna Clark, the $1000 raised with Woman’s Life has been put in the Friends New Library Building Fund.

Woman’s Life is currently working with other Cedar Springs non-profit groups as well. Their motto states, “Connection.Community.Cause.” For more information on what’s happening in Chapter 841 or to see how your group can get matching

funds, go to www.womanslife.org or follow them on Facebook at womanslifechapter841.

Despite the wrath of Mother Nature and eight inches of snow overnight, the Friends of the Cedar Springs Library held their 2^nd Annual Quilt Show at the United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 25, as planned. The turnout was not what they had hoped for, nevertheless there were 32 excellent quilts on display—and they were beautiful, colorful and unique!

The quilts were judged by the public, according to personal favorite. First place went to Pauline Woronko, who entered a patriotic quilt with very intricate detail. She won a solid oak quilt rack donated by Bob and Betty Truesdale of Amish Warehouse Furniture and Gifts. Second place went to Nita White, who entered a beautiful “Wedding Ring” pattern, and third place to Kathy Marsman, with twisted stars on a vivid purple background. Nita and Kathy received gift baskets containing a new book, a warm Red Hawk sweater, and a Red Hawk beanie baby, with other things added in for fun.

The sale table included quilting and crafting magazines, books, fabric,  fat quarters, etc.  A silent auction was going on throughout the six hours, as was a bake sale operated by the youth group for Modern Woodmen of America.

Modern Woodsmen Youth Club (led by Annette Nelson) and Women’s Life (led by Liz Pigorsh and Dena Wever) each matched a portion of our profits with an equal donation, ($500 each). Amish Warehouse also donated the use of their truck and trailer to transport the quilt racks from approximately 70 miles away. We were able to raise just over $1000, matched for a grand total of over $2000!

We would like to thank all of our community supporters for helping us earn money for our Library.  Please join us next year—in the Spring!